Movies: 5 that shined, 5 on my mind

2013 has come and gone. 2014 is upon us. With that in mind, here’s a look back at my five favorite movies from the year that was and five to find in the new year.

MY TOP 5 FROM 2013

1. “The Way, Way Back” Starring: Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Liam James, AnnaSophia Robb, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Maya Rudolph Directed by: Nat Faxon, Jim Rash Why you should see it: It’s the story of a teenager named Duncan (James) who’s thrown into an uncomfortable summer at a beach house with his mother (Collette) and her not-so-nice boyfriend (Carell). He stumbles into a job at a water park, where the manager (Rockwell) befriends him and encourages him not to worry about Carell’s character’s verbal jabs. Rockwell is absolutely hilarious and endearing as he pulls Duncan out of his shell. Duncan also begins hanging out with an older girl named Susanna (Robb) who’s sympathetic in part because of her overbearing mother (Janney).

2. “American Hustle” Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner Directed by: David O. Russell Why you should see it: It’s a clever mix of comedy, drama and mystery. Based off the Abscam operation, con man Irving Rosenfeld (Bale) and his sidekick/girlfriend Sydney Prosser (Adams) are forced to help FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Cooper) try to bring down politicians for corruption. Rosenfeld can’t seem to get his personal life straight, bouncing between Prosser and his wife, Rosalyn (Lawrence), but he’s great at his job. Adams is stellar as the vulnerable Prosser, as is Lawrence. Really, everyone delivers spot-on performances in another Russell flick sure to stir up plenty of Oscar buzz.

3. “Now You See Me” Starring: Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Dave Franco Directed by: Louis Leterrier Why should see it: Four world-class illusionists, played by Harrelson, Fisher, Eisenberg and Franco are brought together by a mysterious force known as “The Eye” to join forces as “The Four Horsemen.” Their act becomes a massive phenomenon as they rob banks and shower the money on the crowds at their shows. They’re being tracked by government agents and competitors alike. It’s a fast-paced, twisty mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. How will it end? The magic of this film is that it makes you want to stick around to find the answer.

4. “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Claflin Directed by: Francis Lawrence Why you should see it: This sequel raises the stakes in every way. Katniss (Lawrence) and Peeta (Hutcherson) are sent back into the arena in an “all-star” version of the Hunger Games in the televised fight-to-the-death’s 75th installment. They have to convince everyone they’re in love and try to tamp down the seeds of rebellion they stirred by defying the Capitol. As victors having to fight again, they’re thrust back into the emotional wringer. Twists are a certainty as the dramatic conclusion perfectly leads into the two upcoming “Mockingjay” films.

5. “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Sean Penn, Shirley MacLaine, Adam Scott Directed by: Ben Stiller Why you should see it: The title character, played by Stiller, is prone to magnificent daydreams. There’s just one problem: That’s the only time he does anything exciting. Inspired by his romantic interest in his coworker Cheryl (Wiig), Walter finally decides to start truly living. It’s not an easy transition for him, and troubles with a special project at work cause major headaches. But those problems also help him in his newfound desire for adventures.

5 TO WATCH IN 2014 “Monuments Men”: A U.S. platoon is given the task of recovering art stolen by the Nazis in World War II so the culture of the invaded nations won’t be lost. Based off a true story, this film has director/star George Clooney, plus Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett and Bill Murray. (Feb. 7) “Divergent”: In this dystopian thriller based off a best-selling book, children are forced to divide into factions based off a personality test. But Tris (Shailene Woodley) is “divergent,” an inconclusive result that puts her life in danger. (March 21) “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”: Peter Parker’s alter ego faces Electro (Jamie Foxx) and The Rhino (Paul Giamatti) and still spends time with Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). (May 2) “The Fault in Our Stars”: Based off the stellar best-selling book, Hazel Grace (Shailene Woodley) and August Waters (Ansel Elgort) meet in a cancer support group and form an unbreakably spirited bond. (June 6) “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1”: Katniss and Peeta are in different places as the battle against the Capitol shifts into high gear. (Nov. 21)